Shock wave/boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) has long been a challenge in compressible flow simulations due to its complex multi-scale and non-equilibrium characteristics. Particularly, the simulation of multi-scale SWBLI under near-space conditions poses significant challenges to traditional continuum models such as the Navier–Stokes (NS) equations. To address this, researchers employed a mesoscopic Discrete Boltzmann Method (DBM) to investigate the discrete effects and non-equilibrium behaviors in SWBLI which are beyond the NS description. Given that different interfaces such as temperature and density will provide different characteristic scales, correspondingly, will provide local Knudsen (Kn) numbers of different perspectives. From one perspective, the Kn number is increasing, but from another perspective, it may be decreasing. Therefore, the early understanding based on the definition of the Kn number from a single perspective was one-sided or even wrong. Therefore, researchers proposed the concept of the local Kn number vector: each component of it is a Kn number from one perspective. Based on the developed DBM theory and method, they discovered a series of kinetic features and new mechanisms in rarefied laminar SWBLI.

By focusing on adaptive aerodynamics, the ice-tolerance concept with variable drooping leading edge technology could revolutionize how planes handle icing skies. An ice tolerance solution based on the variable camber leading edge of iced wings is proposed, where the leading edge adapts its camber to counter ice effects. Compared with traditional aerodynamic design for ice tolerance, this concept not only strikes a balance between safety and functionality, but also boosts efficiency even under severe icing conditions.

As bones weaken with age, the culprits may be the aging cells within. A new review uncovers how cellular changes—like senescence, inflammation, and loss of regenerative capacity—disrupt the delicate balance of bone formation and breakdown. By mapping these age-related mechanisms across multiple skeletal diseases, the study offers a clearer picture of how bones decline over time, and where potential therapies might intervene to slow or even reverse the process.

For decades, the destruction of pancreatic β-cell functionality has been recognized as the hallmark of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), yet the involvement of inter-organ metabolic crosstalk remained unexplored. A multicenter research team led by Xinran Ma (ECNU), Lingyan Xu (ECNU), Yang Xiao (Xiangya Second Hospital), and Weiping Zhang (Naval Medical University) has uncovered an unappreciated contributor in T1D disease progression - the zinc finger protein ZNF638 in brown adipose tissue (BAT). Their recent study, published in Science Bulletin, demonstrates that BAT-derived ZNF638 suppresses retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), thereby disrupting the protective all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) signaling essential for β-cell survival. Clinically, RBP4 levels and retinol levels were decreased in the serum of T1D patients compared to healthy controls. Via genetic and pharmacological interventions in mouse models, the team demonstrated that either ZNF638 inhibition or ATRA treatment effectively preserves pancreatic islet function and normalizes blood glucose levels. Overall, the study reveals the unappreciated crosstalk between brown adipocytes and β-cells and suggests that targeting brown fat ZNF638 to affect the RBP4-retinol-ARTA axis significantly alleviates T1D progression.

Flexible dispersion manipulation is critical for holography to achieve broadband imaging or frequency division multiplexing. Within this context, metasurface-based holography offers advanced dispersion control, yet dynamic reconfigurability remains largely unexplored. This work develops a dispersion-engineered inverse design framework that enables 3D multi-plane frequency-reconfigurable holography through a twisted metasurface system. The physical implementation is based on a compact bilayer configuration that cascades the broadband radiation-type metasurface (RA-M) and phase-only metasurface (P-M). The RA-M provides a phase-adjustable input to excite P-M, while the rotation of P-M creates a reconfigurable response of holograms. By employing the proposed scheme, dynamic switching of space-frequency multiplexing and achromatic holograms is designed and experimentally demonstrated in the microwave region. This method advances flexible dispersion engineering for metasurface-based holography, and the compact system holds significant potential for applications in near-field computational imaging/detection, high-speed high-data-capacity near-field wireless communication, and switchable meta-devices.

A review published in National Science Review highlights recent progress at the intersection of machine learning and quantum science, focusing on how AI techniques are revolutionizing the estimation and control of complex quantum systems.

A research team from Tsinghua University has developed a compact, zero dead-zone heterodyne grating interferometer for simultaneous three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) atomic-level displacement measurement. The system achieves sub-nanometer resolution, outstanding linearity, and exceptional stability over large ranges, with significantly reduced crosstalk errors. This breakthrough paves the way for next-generation lithography, atomic-scale manufacturing, and ultra-precision aerospace metrology.

SRPX2 is a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) exhibiting significant N-glycosylation, which influences its conformation, interactions, and functions, as evidenced by the enhanced glycosylation and functional impact of the N327S mutation. It plays versatile roles in multiple diseases. SRPX2 promotes cancer progression (e.g., gastric, pancreatic, thyroid, glioblastoma) by enhancing proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance via pathways like TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, and FAK/SRC/ERK, correlating with poor prognosis. SRPX2 also plays critical roles in neurodevelopment; mutations are linked to language disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and potentially Rolandic epilepsy (though evidence is complex and may involve interactions like GRIN2A). SRPX2, a protein characterized by sushi repeat domains, plays a crucial role in synaptogenesis and modulates complement-mediated synaptic pruning processes. Additionally, SRPX2 contributes to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis via TGF-β signaling, angiogenesis via μPAR/integrin signaling, myocardial infarction protection by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and other conditions. Its context-dependent roles, e.g., pro-fibrotic in lungs vs. protective in heart, and involvement in key signaling pathways highlight its potential as a therapeutic target, though challenges like inhibitor specificity remain.